Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano has called the Buckeyes' defensive line the most talented group he's ever coached. That includes his stint as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Each of Ohio State's four starters from 2016 return, including Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Tyquan Lewis. He's joined by three other defensive ends deemed "elite" by coach Urban Meyer: Nick Bosa, Jalyn Holmes and Sam Hubbard.

In the middle, Ohio State leans on tackles Dre'Mont Jones and Tracy Sprinkle, who is back after suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year's opener against Bowling Green.

Immediately out of the gate, Ohio State's defensive front poses what could be the most significant challenge of the season for an IU offensive line that is in the process of retooling.

The Hoosiers are essentially starting over at center with redshirt sophomore Hunter Littlejohn and true freshman Harry Crider. Redshirt sophomore right guard Simon Stepaniak is entering his first season as a starter, though he did appear in 12 games last fall. At right tackle, redshirt junior Delroy Baker is also unproven.

Left tackle Coy Cronk and left guard Wes Martin are IU's only two returning starters up front.

Depth is also a significant question mark. Four of the five backup linemen listed on Indiana's Week 1 two-deep chart have never played a single snap in college.

"It's an area that, for sure, will be a big key to the success of our team season and it'll be a big factor in the football game," Allen said. "The game's won up front on both sides of the ball, and it won't be any different on Thursday."

Hoosiers thinking of Houston

Indiana has a trio of players with ties to the Houston area — guard Mackenzie Nworah, defensive lineman Alfred Bryant and safety Jameel Cook.

All three are keeping close tabs on their hometowns in Southeast Texas after watching Hurricane Harvey dump more than 40 inches of rain on the Houston area in recent days.

"It's a tough time," Allen said. "It's not just their own families. It's friends and everybody that they know. Definitely, our hearts go out to their families and all the people in the Houston area. Our prayers are with them, for sure. Our guys are just trying to be strong here and support them as best they can. Obviously, they wish they could be home to be with them, but it's a tough time. So we are definitely supporting them through this."

Handful of freshmen could play vs. OSU

Allen says "four or five" freshmen could play in Thursday's season opener.

The IU coach did not specify which freshmen, but based on previous comments and camp performances, a few immediately come to mind.

Running back Morgan Ellison flashed his potential during practices this month, as did the cornerback duo of LaDamion Hunt and Raheem Layne. Center Harry Crider and defensive tackle LeShaun Minor could also be called upon.